Thread: Pricing

...not worth the risk. Imho

Oh no, if you wouldn't loan her your car, don't loan her your longarm. Even for money. If you do, be sure to include your time in the mix. You won't be able to leave her alone with the machine and may end up doing it yourself anyway. I'd make an outlandish price for that equal to the price of having someone else do it.

Hey all! Thanks for the imput. all valid and good advice! Will consider all before making a decision.... thank you.

The going rate at my LQS is $26 per hour after a certification class ( which is $175). You also need to purchase your own leaders. Customer must also purchase batting.

How well do you know this person? Do you trust her with your machine, and access to your home? How much time do you want to spend with her? These are all considerations you'll need to decide. I have a very good friend who allows me to use her long arm (totally computerized.) for a very nominal fee. The key is that we enjoy spending time together and consider it a 'play day'. She talks of letting me use it when she's out of town, or busy elsewhere, but I'm just not comfortable being in her home when she's not there.

You do not say whether this person is a quilter who has used a long arm machine before or not. The quilt shop I used to go to that had a long arm machine, would not let anyone use it unless they had taken the course in long arm quilting, then I believe it was about $40-$45/hr. and I'm not sure about the batting and thread. Wouldn't it be much simpler for you to just quilt her quilt for her and charge your standard rate? I've always been hesitant to let anyone borrow or use my sewing machines unless I know they know what they are doing, just my opinion.

I quit loaning things out a long time ago. It always ended up having to be replaced. My DH used to loan the lawn mower to our BIL. I was home one day and going to mow the yard. Mower was gone. BIL loaned it out to a neighbor of his. I called DH who thought it should've been home by the time I got home. When we got it back. The motor was shot because they used the wrong kind of mix of oil. They added gas thinking we wouldn't know. The machine had to be replaced. Over $400 for a new mower at our expense. I got a new lock to put on the shed door. BIL was not happy when we told him he would have to find another way to mow his yard. Good pair of scissors might work. Because of their having no respect for anything borrowed, we shelled out over $1000.00 in replacement or repair. So no more!

While I would allow my kids or sister to use my machine, with me right there, I sure wouldn't let someone "rent" my machine. I find that even when I change type of threads from the 2 I routinely use, the machine needs adjusting. Then there are all the issues already mentioned.
There are a couple of quilt shops in my area that have machines for rent--after a certification class, etc. But having talked with one owner, their business model includes expenses for repairs, liability insurance, utilities, wear & tear on the machines--none of which I've built into my expenses as a long arm quilter--so figure it' cheaper for me to quilt for someone than t rent my machine!